People all over the North East will be striding through the countryside this month to help raise funds for local hospices.

Backed by the Countryside Agency and the British Heart Foundation, they are aimed at raising vital cash as well as getting people fitter.

Eddie Collins, spokesman for fitness project the Experience Corp said: "We have been set up with the specific aim of encouraging people over 50 to give some of their time and skills for the benefit of their communities."

For further information on the hospice health walks, contact Lorraine Honeybell on 0191 261 1600.